Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and a pocket positioned beneath the forefoot portion. A first midsole portion is received in the pocket. An outer sole assembly is secured to the upper. The outer sole assembly is visible from an exterior of the article of footwear and the first midsole portion is not visible from an exterior of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe. The insert preferably also extends vertically.

Abstract: A padded shoe, such as a kicking boot, is disclosed that is lightweight and padded for use in mixed martial arts and other related activities. The padded shoe may be formed from a flexible, resilient sole; a shoe upper adjoined to the sole, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper has padding disposed therein; a padded tongue attached to the shoe upper; an outer protective flap attached to the shoe upper; and an engagement structure for securing the outer protective flap to the shoe upper, the engagement structure being located substantially under the outer protective flap such that the outer protective flap substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with at least one of the engagement structure and the wearer's instep.

Abstract: A sole structure of a sports shoe includes an outsole and an intermediate sole having a number of portions that is flexible and supports the foot during running. The intermediate sole includes a flexible body element extending along the entire length of the shoe, and a flexible heel absorption element extending to the heel area, and a support element fitted between them extending from the heel area to the ball area which is of a less flexible material than the body element or the heel absorption element. The support element includes a substantially plate-like heel portion and a shaped front portion, which are separated from each other by a substantially cross-directional support ridge protruding from the lower surface of the support element. The intermediate sole also includes an hourglass-shaped ball absorption element, a carbon fibre plate increasing the torsional rigidity of the support element and an arch support.

Abstract: An element forming at least part of a midsole for footwear includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two strut members disposed between the top and bottom plates for supporting the top plate a distance away from the bottom plate. The top, bottom and struts may be formed of different materials. Adjacent strut members have a C shaped cross-section facing in the same direction when the midsole resting its top or bottom portion is viewed from the side. The midsole element may further comprise a heel cleft to increase the flexibility of the sole. In a preferred embodiment, the strut members on the medial side are arranged at an angle to the strut members on the lateral side of the sole. The directional design provides flexibility and stiffness anisotropically to the sole in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sole respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered sole having an insole extending from a toe area to a heel area and having a rigid member and a flexible member for enhancing flexibility. The multilayered sole also includes a midsole extending from the toe area to the heel area and having a cushioning material and a structural material for enhancing comfort. The insole and midsole are then combined with an outsole.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a footwear structure with improved comfortableness comprising an upper with which a sole is associated, wherein the footwear structure comprises a container comprising a box-type body, containing at least one dehumidifier and/or medicinal material, provided with at least one inlet, and means for shutting and opening said at least one inlet that is kept, in walking phase, in an active position wherein said at least one inlet is accessible and communicating with the inside of the upper. The present invention further concerns the corresponding container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear accessory which provides protection against water and moisture. The invention comprises a main part which is made from a water-repellent, moisture-repellent, resistant and flexible material and which is open at the upper part thereof. According to the invention, the main part is tightened around the ankle and fitted to the heel of the shoe by means of an opening through which the heel can extend (5). The invention also comprises two closure elements, namely a first upper element which secures the instep (4) and a second side element which secures the ankle (3). In addition, the invention comprises a rubber insole (2) and a rubber outer sole (1). The main part can be used to display advertising and to render a pedestrian visible.

Abstract: An articulated foldable sandal may include a sole having a forefoot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a front portion of a wearer's foot and a rear-foot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a rear portion of the wearer's foot. The sole may also have an articulating member that may be operatively coupled to both the forefoot portion and the rear-foot portion. The articulating member may include at least two distinct axes of rotation and may be adapted to enable the sandal to be selectively moved between an open configuration suitable for wearing and a folded configuration. The sandal may also include a retaining member fastened to the sole and adapted to hold the sandal on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: There is provided with an article of footwear comprising a shoe body including a shoe upper and a bendable sole which together define a first cavity, wherein the sole is provided with a second cavity therein for housing at least one pump operable by means actuable thereon located inside said sole, wherein the actuation means contains at least one portion movable within the second cavity against the pump in response to bending or unbending of the sole.

Abstract: Shoes having foot support structures formed of arm portions and/or plates having variable flexibility are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shoe sole consisting of a multilayer complex provided with: an upper first outer insole surface (1) having an antiskid honeycomb profile; a three-dimensional textile structure (4) formed of vertical propylene fibers (5) enabling shocks to be absorbed; and a lower second outer surface (3) having a high strength surface made of polyester with high antibacterial and antifungal toughness.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper portion and a lower portion molded integral with the upper portion. The integral upper and lower portions may be formed of a polyolefin. At least one rubber ground contact pad is secured to the lower portion.

Abstract: A skateboard shoe comprising a plurality of fluid chambers able to move and flex independently from one another along the bottom portion of the midsole is shown and described. The midsole acts as both a stabilizing midsole and an impact cushioning midsole while improving the fit of the shoe so it moves with the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The upper surface defines a plurality of depressions, and the lower surface defines a plurality of indentations extending toward the depressions. The outsole forms projections that extend into the indentations of the midsole, and the outsole has grooves located opposite the projections.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: An outsole, especially for sports shoes, that can be formed with a large amount of elastic deformability even in the tangential direction towards the front and the back, enabling a good cushioning effect even when the tread of the foot is inclined and somewhat slipping. Beyond at least one critical deformation in the deformed region, the sole remains essentially rigid in relation to tangential deformation. In this way, the runner has a secure footing on the respective tread point. The runner can push off from the tread point without losing ground and a swimming effect on the sole is prevented. The elastic deformability of the sole also in the tangential direction is caused by at least one first element, and the rigidity of the sole in relation to tangential deformation beyond the at least one critical deformation, in addition to the degree of the at least one critical deformation in the deformed region is due to at least one second element.

Abstract: An improved shoe includes an apparatus and system for ventilating inside the shoe and a resilient shoe. External air desirably enters the shoe around the wearer's foot and flows through holes in the sole into aeration chambers. The air circulates to the heel by a suction valve and is controllably directed out to the exterior of the shoe through a one-air air exhaust valve, ventilating the wearer's foot while an individual is walking. The heel is made from a resilient material and has a cavity extending under the entire instep portion of the shoe's upper. Compression springs are placed in the cavity, including a mainspring located at approximately the heelstrike point and two auxiliary springs for stability located forward of the mainspring toward the shoe's toe. The action of the springs is distributed throughout the sole by a resilient layer of softer rubber adjacent the sole to provide for a resilient walking experience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sprint shoe, including a plate arranged in a sole area of the shoe. The plate extends essentially over the complete length of the sole area and is substantially planar in a forefoot part and is constructed of a material and configured to allow for elastic bending of the plate in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to three-dimensionally encompasses a rearfoot part of the foot. Optionally, the plate includes a heel cup in the rearfoot part to cradle the foot. Further, a wedge- or rib-like raised part may be arranged below the heel cup.

Abstract: Melded footwear and process for manufacture of footwear. This enhanced shoe can be formed and assembled with a limited number of steps and without the need for much stitching. The shoe has a durable polyurethane shell, which is an integrated upper and outsole. The shoe contains a textile upper portion which is attached by direct injection molded. Molding the textile to the outsole eliminates the need for the use of adhesives. A locking plug element is provided that serves the dual function of providing cushioning around the heel and locking certain elements together.

Abstract: A shoe such as an infant's shoe includes a sole and an upper with the upper formed by a forefoot portion and a heel portion. When an infant's foot is to be placed in the shoe, the heel portion is configured to be pivoted with respect to the forefoot portion to an open position to allow the foot to slide into the forefoot portion. According to an example, after the foot is received in the forefoot portion, the heel portion is pivoted to a substantially closed position and one or more securing devices associated with each of the forefoot portion and heel portion are engaged to secure the shoe on the infant's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.

Abstract: A self-ventilating shoe assembly including an upper having an outer layer, a porous middle layer, and an inner layer; and a sole including an outsole; is provided with one or more passageways or chambers connecting between the outsole and the porous middle layer of the upper. One or more external vent openings are in fluid communication with the one or more passageways or chambers. Cooling ambient air is moved by convection and by a pumping action from the external vent openings through the passageways or chambers up through the porous middle layer of the upper, and optionally, the insole, providing cooling and reducing moisture in the cavity containing the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear for contact sports is disclosed. The article of footwear also includes pads disposed along its medial and lateral sides, including pads associated with the malleolus. Additionally holes along the toes, the bottom, and at the heel allow for increased contact of the user's foot with the ground, allowing greater feel and balance.

Abstract: A slipper has an upper portion. The upper portion is flexible. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion include ribbed formations. The upper portion and the lower portion are made of a material having shape memory.

Abstract: A shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.

Abstract: A thong is comprised of a sole made up of two or three thin layers that are flexible and have the ability to be rolled up and stored in a pouch-like container that is dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain a pair of the thongs on the interior thereof, when in stored orientation to protect the wearer's feet and from hot concrete.

Abstract: Footwear including a flexible sole having a series of flexure zones positioned to correspond to primary joint axes of the human foot approximating the characteristics of a bare foot in motion.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper made of flexible material, the shoe upper including a toe region, a heel region, a foot opening at the heel region, and an arch region extending between the toe region and the heel region. A split sole is secured to a bottom of the shoe upper, the split sole including a front sole under the toe region of the shoe upper and a rear sole under the heel region of the shoe upper, the front and rear soles being spaced from one another for defining a gap between the front and rear soles that extends along the bottom of the shoe upper.

Abstract: A shoe is provided for improving use efficiency through reduction of neuromuscular fatigue. The shoe includes an upper having a generally horizontal bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper comprises a forward region having a forward center of loading and a rear region having a rear center of loading. The shoe further includes a sole comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole comprises a suspension element, which can have a generally elongated shape. The suspension element further has a center of compression, which is generally aligned with at least one of the first and second centers of loading of the upper. The shoe can have a hinge located within the sole for providing enhanced efficiency to the user. The hinge and suspension element(s) can take various forms. The position and structure of the hinge and suspension element(s) in relation to the midsole can take various forms as well.

Abstract: The wrestling shoe according to the present invention comprises outer soles 1F and 1B separated forward and rearward on the side of a grounding surface of the shoe. The fore and rear outer soles 1F and 1B essentially protrude downward further than an outer skin 3, thereby to support the foot in a fore foot part and a rear foot part, respectively, when landing on the ground. The fore and rear outer soles 1F and 1B are made of an outer sole material of rubber and/or resin. The outer skin 3 is formed of a laminated body where an outer surface layer 30 and a cushion layer 31 are laminated. The outer surface layer 30 is exposed in a mid foot part M and made of substantially flexible sheet-like material, and the cushion layer 31 is laminated on the inner side of the outer surface layer 30 and made of substantially flexible rubber foam or resin foam.

Abstract: Shoes which by their construction avoid twisting stress which save especially the knees of humans and lower legs of horses from serious injury are shoes which are equipped with “Turn-Table” topped outsold disc treads of simple anti-friction design upon which top surface said shoes can rotate on to any 360 degree direction while said outsole bottom surface tread is frictionally adhered to a footing surface with said shoe outsole discs that resist any linear free wheeling motion or footing slippage even when said shoe is substantially tilted to a rapid action canted positional arrangement with a footing surface due to substantial disc perimeter tread flexibility.

Abstract: A sandal for receiving a foot of a wearer, the foot having a heel and a forefoot including toes. The sandal includes an upper, a midsole assembly and an outsole component. The midsole assembly includes a main body and a support component that may include a slightly curved forefoot plate positioned at least partially adjacent to a bottom surface of the main body. When fitted with the curved forefoot plate, the sandal is capable of facilitating a rolling action in the direction of a stride of the wearer. The upper may form a sandal strap system, with an inner or fixed strap layer and an outer or adjustment strap layer. The outer or adjustment strap layer can be used to adjust the sandal upper so the foot of the wearer can be secured to the sandal.

Abstract: An article of footwear or shoe assembly, which is designed to allow for adjustment of stiffness in its sole unit, is disclosed. The article of footwear is preferably constructed to enhance stability, support and comfort of a wearer on varied terrain. Among other elements, the shoe assembly preferably includes an adjustable shank disposed within the shoe to allow for adjustment in the stiffness of the sole unit. In certain embodiments, the adjustable shank further includes a plurality of segments adapted to be manipulated in order to vary the stiffness.

Abstract: A footwear upper having a collar assembly that is joined at its forward edge to the lower portion of the upper by a flexible region of material so that the collar may flex forward and rearward in relation to the lower portion of the upper. In one aspect of the invention, the upper includes a neck portion that is telescopically overlapped by the collar. In another aspect, the upper includes a gusset that extends between the lower portion and the collar, with at least a portion of the gusset being substantially hidden from view.

Abstract: A shoe suspension system for use with a shoe or boot having an upper and lower sole. The system includes a first tandem hinge pivotally engaged between the upper toe sole and the lower toe sole which opens and closes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe a plurality of tandem hinges pivotally engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole which also open and close parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and return springs engaged between the upper mid heel sole and the lower sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a connecting portion positioned adjacent the upper and extending along a longitudinal length of the upper. A plurality of discrete sole elements extend downward from the connecting portion. The sole elements define a lower surface, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward from the lower surface and into the sole structure. An outsole may be located within the sipes and extend between the sole elements, with a lower portion of the outsole extending beyond the lower surface of the sole elements.

Abstract: Articles of footwear having a unitary midsole with an integrally molded toe cap that extends over the wearer's toes are disclosed, in which the midsole is molded in multiple sections one of which includes the integrally-molded toe cap which are joined to one another to provide the unitary midsole.

Abstract: A pair of flexible shoes have an outer sole, a foam mid-sole, and an inner sole as well as an upper portion. Each of the shoes may be rolled or folded into a compact configuration and have a sandal configuration. The folded shoes may be stored in a container such as a pouch or case for convenient carrying, such as in the wearer's purse or handbag, for use upon need. For example, a wearer may want to change to more stylish and/or more comfortable shoes after work or to change to a pair of sandals after receiving a pedicure.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a fluid-filled chamber with one or more flexion zones. The flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where a tensile element, for example, is absent, or the flexion zones may be areas of the chamber where opposite surfaces of the chamber are bonded together. The footwear may also include a sole structure with a flexion zone, and the flexion zone of the chamber may be aligned with the flexion zone of the sole structure. In other configurations, the chamber may include a chamber secured within a depression of a midsole of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having a sole with a periphery and a recess. The recess extends laterally across the sole from periphery to periphery and the recess also slopes downwardly toward a rear of the shoe. An insole having a flexible material and placed on top of the recess is provided and wherein the flexible material flexes in cooperation with the recess for enhancing flexibility of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.

Abstract: A shoe incorporates a flexible member which, by itself, is capable of a variety of configurations. A heel incorporates a stiffening member which mechanically interlocks with the flexible member to both shape it and provide it with sufficient rigidity to support a foot. The heel can be detached from the flexible member to allow the replacement of one heel with a different heel.

Abstract: A slipper has an upper portion. The upper portion is flexible. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion include ribbed formations. The upper portion and the lower portion are made of a material having shape memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include flexible members disposed between discrete pieces of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole includes a pair of stabilizer rods. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole. The outsole has areas of extension for improving the traction and balance of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole and method for making the sole having a first material and a second material. The first material includes a plurality of extensions and the second material includes a plurality of sections, where each section is spaced apart from an adjacent section by at least one extension being placed between each section and each adjacent section.

Abstract: A sandal for receiving a foot of a wearer, the foot having a heel and a forefoot including toes. The sandal includes an upper, a midsole assembly and an outsole component. The midsole assembly includes a main body and a support component that may include a slightly curved forefoot plate positioned at least partially adjacent to a bottom surface of the main body. When fitted with the curved forefoot plate, the sandal is capable of facilitating a rolling action in the direction of a stride of the wearer. The upper may form a sandal strap system, with an inner or fixed strap layer and an outer or adjustment strap layer. The outer or adjustment strap layer can be used to adjust the sandal upper so the foot of the wearer can be secured to the sandal.